The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has reaffirmed his decision to shut down the Onitsha Main Market for one week following traders’ failure to open for business on Monday to observe the sit-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The market closure comes amid growing concerns about the economic consequences of recurring sit-at-home observances across the Southeast, which state authorities say are negatively affecting revenue generation and budget implementation.

Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, Governor Soludo said the decision was taken after repeated warnings to traders in the government-owned Onitsha Main Market, described as the largest market in West Africa.

According to him, only a small number of shops opened for business despite clear directives to operate normally.

He explained that the market would remain shut for the rest of the week, emphasising that the government is determined to safeguard Anambra’s economic stability and future.

“This is a struggle for the soul of Anambra’s future. Almost 80 percent of the people have given us a mandate to protect their welfare and security, and we must remain committed to that responsibility every day,” Soludo said.

The governor stressed that Mondays are critical for commercial activities, noting that suppliers, traders, and buyers typically conduct major transactions on that day.

He warned that continued closure of markets could lead to the relocation of businesses and a decline in the state’s economic strength.“If businesses do not open, people will take their trade elsewhere.

That is the economic cost to the state, and we cannot allow Anambra’s economy to keep declining,” he added.Governor Soludo also warned private and public schools to comply fully with the directive to operate from Monday to Friday.

He stated that schools that fail to open may face sanctions, including possible closure.“If you are running a private school and you fail to open, we will take action.

You have been licensed to operate as a school, and school days in Anambra are Monday to Friday,” he warned.The governor described the sit-at-home order as a deliberate attempt to sabotage the economies of Onitsha, Nnewi, and the wider state, adding that his administration would resist any effort to destabilise Anambra.“We are determined to take back our state on behalf of the people, whatever it costs,” he said.

Addressing security concerns, Soludo stated that Anambra remains one of the safest states in Nigeria and disclosed that the government has launched intensified operations against criminal elements.He further reassured investors that Anambra is not a “four-day work week state,” stressing the importance of maintaining consistent economic activity.“Anambra is one of the largest economies in Nigeria. You cannot list the top economies without counting Anambra,” he noted.

Governor Soludo urged major markets across the state to comply with government directives or risk similar sanctions, warning that markets that fail to open by Monday could face extended closures.

“The new Anambra we are building must become a reality. God has willed it, and we humans must make it happen,” he concluded.